Things You Should Know About Menopause

Avoiding Caffeine and Alcohol Can Reduce Hot Flashes

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It’s safe to say no one enjoys hot flashes. Unfortunately, they are a part of life for many women entering menopause. But avoiding certain foods and beverages, however, can help reduce the number of hot flashes you experience.

Avoiding caffeine, for example, can help ward off hot flashes. Caffeine is known to exacerbate hormonal symptoms. So although you may rely on a cup of coffee to get going in the morning (especially after you’ve had a bad night’s sleep), experts say the caffeine could worsen hot flashes, hinder sleep, and ultimately affect your mood. Similarly, alcohol can worsen hot flashes. If you are having severe menopause-related symptoms, doctors suggest keeping your alcohol consumption as close to zero as possible.